What changes were identified in call volumes to French poison control centers during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Overall, a 5.6% increase in exposure calls with 13.6% increase in calls from the public and a 7.5% decrease in calls from health professionals. Call volumes for March/April of 2018, 2019, and 2020 were compared. There was also a decrease in overall severity of exposures and an increase in exposures to cleaning products, essential oils, and hand sanitizers.
Le Roux G, et al. Poisoning during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown: retrospective analysis of exposures reported to French poison control centres. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1874402
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